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Introduction
Domestic violence is one of the most frequently reported serious crimes,
representing one quarter of violent crime in the UK; almost every minute of
the day a report of domestic violence is received by the police (Stanko, 2000).
The vast majority of perpetrators are men and women their victims. Children
may also frequently be involved, either directly or indirectly. The impact
of domestic violence on the lives and well-being of women and children is
almost incalculable. For some it is literally fatal, and 43% of women who
are killed, are killed by a partner or ex-partner (British Crime Statistics,
1996)[1]. The
association between domestic violence and child abuse is also now recognised
and is strongly implicated in a high proportion of non-accidental child deaths.
If the level of reported domestic violence is not alarming enough, we are
also aware that it represents only a proportion of actual violence towards
women and children. There are significant social and economic barriers that
prevent women from approaching statutory agencies for help and limit their
possibilities of escape. Their attempts to protect their children and themselves
may be unseen and undervalued and attempting to leave is often the most dangerous
time for them. Male perpetrators of domestic violence characteristically minimise
or deny the extent and impact of their violence. These factors have contributed
to the hidden nature of this crime and the difficulties we face in challenging
violent men.
For many years, the majority of work in the area, was carried out by the voluntary
sector, sustained by the combined efforts of women survivors and agencies
representing them. Through these efforts and the establishment of inter-agency
forums, it is being addressed at central and local government levels and is
present on policy and organisational agendas (see Appendix 5 for a summary
of recent government activity).
In Coventry, particularly in the voluntary and community sector, there has
been a great deal of work to ensure that refuge and support are available
to women and children living with or escaping from domestic violence. Given
the existence of these basic services, it was felt timely to consider the
issue of direct work with perpetrators, to increase efforts to prevent or
reduce domestic violence. The Coventry Domestic Violence Partnership first
identified the need to work with perpetrators in 1994. However, following
Coventry City Council’s Elected Member Review on Domestic Violence in 1999,
a multi-agency group was set up to look at work with perpetrators and find
a way forward.
As the first stage in its action plan, the multi-agency Domestic Violence
Perpetrators’ Programme Steering Group commissioned this feasibility study.
The study has covered the following key areas in relation to the viability
of a programme for perpetrators of domestic violence:
What is the level and extent
of need across the city and in the specific areas of Foleshill and Wood End?
Who are potential referrers to
a programme?
What are the diverse needs of
potential participants in a programme?
What are the implications for
services for women and children of setting up such a programme?
How can women and children’s safety
best be assured?
What work is currently being undertaken
with perpetrators?
What model would work best in
Coventry?
What are people’s hopes, fears
and expectations about work with perpetrators?
The report
This report is the result
of the feasibility study, undertaken by a team from the Centre for the Study
of Safety and Well-being at the University of Warwick. Commissioned on behalf
of the Domestic Violence Perpetrators’ Steering Group, it has built on the
work already established by the Partnership, and harnessed the energy, ideas
and commitment of a diverse range of workers across the statutory and voluntary
sectors, as well as representatives of community and faith-based groups. Prominent
amongst these contributors are those agencies that represent directly the
perspectives and experiences of women and children who have lived with and
survived the impact of domestic violence. As well as consulting with a broad
range of agencies and individuals, the study has reviewed existing international
and national research on what works in perpetrator programmes, good practice
guidance, and information from other perpetrator programmes in the UK.
The recommendations at the end of the report apply the insights of existing
research to local needs and circumstances, within a framework of best practice.
Throughout the feasibility study, the following principles have been adopted:
Women’s and children’s safety
and well-being are paramount
Any proposed development should
not detract in any way from services for women and children
Additional services may be needed
to ensure safety
Any developments are not an alternative
to the arrest and prosecution of offenders
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